Super Sales
Up to 65%off

Ireland in 5 Days: 5 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher; a must-visit during your five days in Ireland.
Excellent
  • Dennis
  • From
It was as advertised and our ceo was excellent.” 

Ireland 5-Day Itinerary Options

A 5-day trip to Ireland offers just enough time to explore its scenic beauty and rich history. For an unforgettable experience, check out our Ireland 5 days itinerary options, designed to help you discover the country’s iconic landmarks, charming towns, and hidden treasures.

Itinerary #1: Medieval Marvels & Wild Wonders

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle is a sumptuous 12th century building with a beautiful park and one of the most instantly recognized buildings in Ireland.
A girl hiker admiring the beauty from the Wicklow Mountain on a cloudy day.
Embark on a breathtaking hike through the Glendalough Valley in the Wicklow Mountains, where stunning vistas and ancient history converge for an unforgettable adventure.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1  Start your tour in Dublin, where history and modernity collide. Arrival Dublin
Day 2 Discover the mystical landscapes of Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. City sightseeing Dublin
Day 3 Head south to the medieval city of Kilkenny, where cobbled streets lead to the imposing Kilkenny Castle. Castle exploration Kilkenny
Day 4 Venture west to the rugged Cliffs of Moher, standing tall against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Exploration Galway
Day 5 Wrap up your Irish escapade by taking a trip to Galway, a city brimming with lively street performers and colorful storefronts. Departure  

This magical five-day itinerary weaves together iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Begin in Dublin before venturing to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. Explore medieval Kilkenny and savor culinary delights. Witness the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, unraveling the Burren's mysteries. Conclude in Galway, where lively streets meet the untamed Connemara wilderness. This Irish adventure perfectly blends history, nature, and the warm embrace of Ireland's spirit.

Itinerary #2: Walking the Aantrim Coast

People walking in Carrick-Redde-Rode bridge on a clear day in Ireland.
Experience the thrill of walking the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge during your 5 days in Ireland, where stunning views and adventure await at every step
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Transfer to Orra Beg, and hike along Moyle Way to Ballycastle. Hiking Ballycastle
Day 2 Coastal walk from Murlough to Fair Head, return to Bushmills. Walking tour Bushmills
Day 3 Visit Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Ballintoy Harbor, White Park Bay, Dunseverick Castle, and Giant’s Causeway. Hiking Bushmills
Day 4 Explore Bushmills, and visit Bushmills whiskey distillery. Exploration Bushmills
Day 5 Departure from Bushmills after breakfast Departure  

Embark on a 5-day Ireland adventure, with a self-guided trek starting in Cushendall and concluding in Bushmills. Traverse the picturesque Antrim Way, exploring Ireland's stunning northern coast. Begin in Cushendall, heading north through forest tracks, alongside the Glenshesk River, and through Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve to Ballycastle. Walk the dramatic coastal routes of Murlough and Fair Head, taking in breathtaking cliff views. Visit the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, featured in Game of Thrones, and continue along the coastal path to Ballintoy and White Park Bay. Explore the village of Portbraddan and the ancient ruins of Dunseverick Castle—marvel at the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, with its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. Conclude your adventure in Bushmills, home to the renowned Bushmills distillery, where you can savor a taste of Ireland's finest whiskey. 

Itinerary #3: Dublin, Northern Ireland & Galway

The view of Glenveagh National Park on a cloudy day in Ireland.
Discover the untouched beauty of Glenveagh National Park in Ireland, where stunning landscapes and tranquil trails invite you to explore nature’s masterpiece.
Giant's Causeway at the sunset in Northern Ireland.
Step into a world of wonder at the Giant's Causeway in Ireland—where stunning basalt columns rise from the sea like nature's own masterpiece.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Depart Dublin for Belfast and explore Titanic Quarter, then Drive to Giant's Causeway and Portrush for overnight. City sightseeing Portrush
Day 2 Visit Derry's walled city, cross into Donegal, and explore Glenveagh National Park. Exploration Donegal
Day 3 Travel to Sligo, see Benbulben, visit Carrowmore, explore Achill Island, and arrive in Westport. Island exploration Westport
Day 4 Discover Westport and Connemara National Park, and optional visits to Kylemore Abbey and Clifden. Hiking Westport
Day 5 Visit Cong and tour the Royal Abbey of Cong, then drive through Maam Valley to Galway, visit Kilbeggan Distillery, and return to Dublin. Departure  

This tour is a guided small-group journey that starts in Dublin and concludes in Galway. Begin exploring Belfast with a city tour and visit the historic Titanic Quarter. Travel along the scenic Antrim Coast to marvel at the Giant's Causeway. Discover the walled city of Derry, and experience the wild beauty of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal. Visit County Mayo, a region deeply impacted by the 1840s potato famine, and enjoy the rugged landscapes of Achill Island. Delve into the charming town of Westport and explore Connemara National Park, with options to visit Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens mountains. Conclude your journey in lively Galway, sampling local seafood and visiting Kilbeggan Distillery before returning to Dublin.

Itinerary #4: Ireland's Historical & Scenic Adventure

Aerial view of Rock of Cashel on a cloudy day in Ireland.
Tour the Rock of Cashel and other historical sites during your 5 days in Ireland. 
Drombeg Stone Circle in Ireland
See the mysterious Drombeg Stone Circle, one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Visit Rock of Dunamase, Rock of Cashel, and Blarney Castle before heading to Kinsale Historical sites tour Kinsale
Day 2 Experience Drombeg Stone Circle and Mizen Head along the Wild Atlantic Way Nature and heritage  exploration Kinsale
Day 3 Explore Charles Fort, visit Midleton Distillery, and continue to Cobh and Waterford Whiskey tasting and history tour Waterford
Day 4 Discover Kilkenny with its abbeys, brewery, and medieval priory Culture and history tour Waterford
Day 5 Visit Dunbrody Famine Ship, Glendalough, and Powerscourt before returning to Dublin History and nature tour  

This itinerary transports you through the heart of Ireland, touching its rich history and scenic grandeur. Starting from Dublin, experience an array of historical sites including the fortified Rock of Dunamase, the storied Rock of Cashel, and the iconic Blarney Castle known for its legend of eloquence. With nights spent in charming villages like Kinsale, the trip blends exploration with relaxation. Take in the mystic Drombeg Stone Circle, brave the bridge crossing over the wild surges of Mizen Head, and savor the smooth delight of Midleton’s famed whiskey. Delve into the enchanting streets of Kilkenny, then travel through time aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship. A pause at Powerscourt concludes this unforgettable journey through landscapes steeped in stories of the past. The tour promises a profound engagement with Ireland’s heritage, wrapped in the lush, dramatic beauty typical of the Emerald Isle.

Itinerary #5: Discover the Trails of Northern Ireland

A view of Carrick-a-Rede coastal trail in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.
Enjoy magnificent coastal views of during a walking tour in Ballycastle.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Cushendall Arrival Cushendall
Day 2 Follow the Moyle Way to Ballycastle, with scenic forest tracks and river views Hiking Ballycastle
Day 3 Walk the Fair Head Loop along the rugged coastal route Coastal walk Bushmills
Day 4 Experience Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and explore Giant’s Causeway, return to Bushmills Coastal exploration Bushmills
Day 5 Depart from Bushmills after breakfast Departure   

This hiking tour takes you across the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland, starting with an arrival in the charming village of Cushendall. On the second day, follow the Moyle Way northward to Ballycastle, where you will relish views of serene forest tracks and the Glenshesk River. Day three presents the Fair Head Loop, delivering a magnificent coastal walk with dramatic cliffs and awe-inspiring seaside views. Experience the world-famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on day four enroute to the Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder abounding with folklore and mystery. Each step reveals an intriguing aspect of Northern Ireland's rich geology and captivating scenery. The adventure wraps up in Bushmills, home of the renowned Bushmills whiskey distillery, providing a fitting farewell to this remarkable hiking journey. This itinerary promises a delightful blend of nature, heritage, and culture in one of the world's most enchanting destinations.

Need help in planning 5-day itinerary to Ireland?

5 days in Ireland are enough to provide you a delightful glimpse into the heart of this captivating country. Each day reveals new treasures, from the lively streets of Dublin to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the tranquil beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Chat with our travel experts and plan a custom Ireland trip or create a unique itinerary from scratch.

For other recommended itineraries and possible trip durations, check out our guide on how long to spend in Ireland. Our guide on the best time to visit Ireland and things to do in Ireland might also be helpful. For more duration-related articles, check out our guides on 6 days in Ireland and 7 days in Ireland.

Other related articles:
9 days in Ireland
10 days in Ireland
2 weeks in Ireland

Plan a trip to IrelandWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Ireland.
0 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.